Messe Frankfurt, BIG to launch Automechanika Canada aftermarket trade show

Automechanicka and Business Information Group (BIG), producer of CarFix World, announced they have joined together to bring one of the most comprehensive aftermarket trade events to the Canada. The Automechanika Canada event is to be held from September 26 to September 28 at the International Centre in Toronto.

Automechanika is the leading brand of automotive parts and service trade shows, and is produced by Messe Frankfurt, which has produced 12 Automecanika shows around the world, including Russia, China, Europe Mexico and South America. Automechanika Frankfurt is the largest aftermarket trade show in the world. The Toronto event marks the debut of Automechanika in the Canadian marketplace. The show is expected to have over 250 exhibitors and bring some 4,000 visitors.

“For (BIG) to be able to join and be partners with a company like Messe Frankfurt with produces Automechanika is just tremendous,” said Carol Bell-LeNoury, general manager for CarFix World in Toronto. “(Messe Frankfurt) has tremendous credibility in terms of their brand, of what they can bring to the table in terms of international exposure and international exhibitors.”

According to Bell-LeNoury, at least 40 per cent of the show’s exhibitors will be international companies.

“The Automechanika brand is known worldwide for bringing together the full range of automotive aftermarket products and services, from standard replacement parts and services to the repair and maintenance segment, and to the performance and customization segments,” said David Audrain, president of Messe Frankfurt USA in Atlanta, Ga. “Our network of subsidiaries and representatives in more than 65 countries gives us a tremendous resource to promote Automechanika Canada around the world.”

Bell-LeNoury added Automechanika Canada will build on the technical training program debuted at CarFix World, expanding them further with new speakers and programs.

“We will continue with the Career Day event, brining apprentices and students taking automotive shop programs to see the excellent careers available to them,” she said.

Audrain helped manage the SEMA Show in Las Vegas for five years through 2005 and was previously was responsible for the NACE Expo for the collision repair industry in the US.

“I was also senior executive with Hanley-Wood Exhibitions and both of these shows gave me a great opportunity to understand the needs of the automotive aftermarket and repair industry,” he added.

While it is still too early to announce any formal association sponsors for Automechanika Canada, Audrain said he is working towards building strong relationships and support with the leading associations in Canada and North America for the show.

“Messe Frankfurt and BIG are both committed to making Automechanika Canada a truly inclusive event with participation from all segments of the industry, and we expect to be able to bring many supporting groups on board in the near future.”